For the first time in more than two decades, Duke University School of Medicine hosted the annual Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Southeast Regional Conference. Over 250 students, residents, and faculty members from universities across the Southeast came together for the student-coordinated conference held March 14-15.
The weekend featured multiple keynote speakers. Félix Manuel Chinea, MD’14, an alumnus of the School of Medicine, offered encouraging words to attendees and discussed the role he played in revitalizing the Duke LMSA chapter when he was a student.
Duke family physician and President-Elect for the World Organization of Family Doctors, Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, MD, FAAFP, and Duke hand transplant surgeon, Linda Carime Cendales, MD, who was recently inducted into the National Academy of Medicine in Colombia, both delivered keynote addresses in line with this year’s conference theme, “Lift as You Climb.”
“Their words served as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship and building inclusive environments where we can uplift one another and work together to improve the health of our Latiné communities,” said Rebecca Zasloff, third-year Duke medical student and one of the conference’s co-chairs.
"The theme emphasized the importance of mutual support and advancement within the medical field,” said Leonor Corsino, MD, MHS, associate dean for student affairs at the School of Medicine and faculty advisor for Duke’s chapter of LMSA. “The conference gave the students in the Southeast region the opportunity to network with current and future physicians, gain invaluable mentorship, and enhance their medical journeys."
In addition to breakout sessions and workshops featuring topics that ranged from surgery skills to advocacy, the conference included a community service component. LMSA Southeast students gave back to the community by reading to preschoolers from a local Spanish immersion preschool and donating copies of the book, “El Doctorcito,” by Juan J. Guerra to the school.
Conference organizers also hosted a session for local high school students, offering them a chance to explore the world of medicine through interactive workshops and a panel featuring current pre-med and medical students.
The weekend wrapped up with a gala at Hope Valley Country Club, featuring an awards ceremony, a special recognition of graduating seniors, and a vibrant DJ set by third-year medical student and conference co chair, Kevin Bode, who had the crowd on its feet.
LMSA is a national organization with a mission to unite and empower medical students through service, mentorship, and education to advocate for the health of the broader Latina/o/x/é, Hispanic, and of Spanish Origin + community.
Photos by Jon Strayhorn